Codependency/Relationship Boundaries: Codependency is not a diagnosable condition, it's a learned behavior that is usually learned through the client's family of origin. All families have a system under which they operate, however Codependency represents a family that has misunderstood individual repsponsibility in relation to each other. The family member in adult future relationships struggle due to misunderstanding where they end and their partner begins. This is why "boundaries" counseling is so effective for this condition as it teaches the codependent how to do this. Codependency is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual’s ability to have a healthy and mutually satisfying relationship. Sometimes, due to lack of boundaries, people with codependency maintain relationships that are emotionally destructive and frequently abusive. Codependentstend to have a high frequency of relationships with Narcissists, Addicts and Sociopaths due to being easily manipulated by these personality types. You can read more on my blog, The Codpendent Connection located at the end of this web page.

Narcissistic Personality: A personality type that presents as grandiose and overly self-centered. They are very charming in the beginning of a relationship, however over time their true self begins to emerge. Often they believe they should be treated with special consideration and are unique requiring excessive admiration as it's all about them, not you. They have a strong sense of entitlement along with unreasonable expectations that often includes: automatic compliance, favorable treatment, lacks empathy toward others and fakes compassion. They frequently take advantage of others to acheive their own desires, especially those who are needy of affection such as a codependent or a borderline personality person. They will often get angry when they do not get their way. Their lack of empathy is usually due to their inability to identify or understand how their actions are/or may affect others. This leads to the appearance of being cold or aloof when addressing relationship concerns with them. Often their daily routines involves showmanship of arrogant and haughty behaviors toward others and often envious of, or believes others are envious of them without merit of such accusations.

Borderline Personality: Borderline Personality is a condition where the affected person has extreme emotional regulation difficulty, especially in relationships. They are often triggered from childhood abuse including physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Those in relationship with a Borderline often report that a "I love you, I hate you" pattern is evident and gets confusing for the partner where they stand in relationship. The borderline struggles with a deep internal fear of abandonment and therefore will try to emotionally control the realtionship through suicidal threats or self harm acts. On occasion their anger becomes rage followed by deep sorrow within a short amount of time, think minutes or hours, not days. Self harm practices may include cutting, substance abuse or addictions and eating disorders. Borderlines struggle with identity issues and may dress or have appearance that looks extreme or often change. At times they may have paranoid ideation and extreme cases involve dissociative/derealization (dissconnected from reality) experiences.

Trauma & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is an anxiety disorder that causes frequent flashback, nightmares and instrusive memories caused by a life threatening even. I utilize a process know as Accelerated Resolution Therapy and alos Reconsolidation of Tramatic Memories. These processes help trauma victims diffuse and replace distressful images formed in trauma situations. Often this is found in those involved with warfare, accidents, rape victims or other situations that leave disturbing thoughts and feelings. This would include recovery from sexual, emotional and physical abuse.

Military Veterans: As an Army Veteran myself (Infantry), I welcome all Veterans, Active Duty and their families from all branches from any era served. I understand the strong bonds the military community builds with each other, the trust, understanding that is involved with this population. Additionally, I grew up a Navy Dependent and have seen many parts of the world as my father spent 30 years in that profession. That experience helps provide an additional understanding and insight of the military family and it's unique needs.